“Water in a pool, lake, or the ocean has bacteria that can potentially get into the newly tattooed skin,” she adds, adding that salt or chlorinated water can be irritating and delay the healing of your new tattoo. Valentine adds that swimming can also affect the final result of your tattoo.
It's generally not recommended to go to the beach right after getting a tattoo. Here are a few reasons why: Healing Process: Fresh tattoos are essentially open wounds, and exposing them to saltwater, sand, and sun can increase the risk of infection and irritation.
Soaking in water or swimming. Bath water, pool water, and ESPECIALLY lake/ocean/sea water is TERRIBLE for your tattoo. Not only can some of the ink seep out while it is still fresh and open, but bodies of water can be FULL of bacteria and highly increase your risk of infection.
The salt in the water can cause irritation and dryness to the skin, which may lead to some fading, especially if the tattoo is relatively new. However, this method is not effective for complete removal and can potentially damage the skin or lead to infection.
After getting a tattoo, it's generally recommended to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks before exposing it to direct sunlight and water. Here are some guidelines to consider: Sun Exposure: Initial Healing (2-4 weeks): Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading and protect the tattoo from sunburn.
Apply a quality sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin from UV damage, a waterproof dressing, and ensure your tattoo does not come in contact with sand. Chlorine is drying for the skin, but applying barrier creams or ointments and a waterproof bandage can help divert chlorine from affecting your new tattoo.
With the exception of getting an infection, too much sunlight is the worst thing that can happen to a new tattoo. At best, a sunburn on a new tattoo will extend the time needed for the tattoo to fully heal. In extreme conditions, it can distort the lines and coloring of the tattoo.
Bottom line: prolonged submersion of your tattoo in water leaves you at risk of infection, leaches ink from your tattoo causing fading and blurriness, and makes your skin itch and scab which takes the tattoo longer to heal.
Cover your tattoo
However, if you've had your new tattoo for over four weeks and it has healed, sunscreen is a great way to protect it in summer. Another way to protect your fresh tattoo against sun exposure is by wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants. Most clothing has the equivalent protection of SPF5.
It is generally not safe to swim with a new tattoo after just one week. Most tattoos require at least 2-4 weeks to heal properly. Swimming too soon can increase the risk of infection and damage to the tattoo.
It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.
While surfing with a fresh tattoo may seem tempting, it's important to allow your body enough time to heal before heading back to the waves. Generally, waiting at least 2 to 4 weeks is recommended to ensure that your tattoo heals properly and is protected from infection or damage.
Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.
On average, a tattoo takes two to four weeks to heal. However, it takes about three to six months for the skin underneath the tattoo to fully heal. 12 This time depends on specific skin reactions, tattoo size, and ink colors used.
CAN SWEATING RUIN A NEW TATTOO? Yes, excessive sweat can have negative effects on a new tattoo. Exposing your new body art to any moisture from water or sweat for too long periods is not recommended, and you might therefore want to avoid extensive exercise along with your sauna sessions for as long as it is not healed.
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.
Most people who love tattoos know how to take care of them, but some might not know that they should pat their tattoos dry after swimming. Chlorine and salt water can be harsh on tattoos, so it's important to ensure they're dry as soon as possible.
Tattoos are essentially open wounds, and exposing them to water too soon can lead to bacterial infections, skin irritation, and even damage to the tattoo design. Therefore, tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks before submerging your new ink in swimming pools, hot tubs, or open water.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
One of the most common side effects of a tattoo is an allergic reaction to tattoo pigment. Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments happen most often. If you're having an allergic reaction to your tattoo, you might get a rash that's red, bumpy, or itchy.
It's recommended that tattoos remain out of direct sunlight for at least the first month, but that doesn't mean you're in the clear once that time is up. Sun exposure can still cause colors to fade, which is why it's always best to protect your tattoo from sun exposure whenever possible.